Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Pro Resume Writers Canberra on 7 Jun 2026

When applying for jobs, having a professional resume and cover letter is crucial. But, having good content isn’t enough. The structure that you write your letter in is just as important as your content. A poorly-formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the manager who is hiring, while a well-formatted one can make you stand out among the crowd. In this article, we’ll go over the important aspects of formatting your cover letter and explain why it could be beneficial to let an expert such as Pro Resume Writers Canberra handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the rules of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all options. Beware of using too fancy or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size and format throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing and ensure that you leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is easily read.
  4. Include your contact details in the upper right-hand corner of the email. This should include your address, name as well as your phone number and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor your letter to the job you’re applying to.

Let’s get to the essentials of cover letter design.

  1. Use a sample. Each cover letter should be unique and specific to the particular job and company you’re applying to.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Make sure the letter is concise and to the point.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is why professional resume writing services like Pro Resume Writers Canberra comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to design your cover letter to make you stand out among the crowd. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents in your cover letter.

In addition, our team can help you tailor your cover letter to the specific job and the company the job you’re applying to. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure your letter is concise and easy to read.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can be an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s and guidelines for formatting your cover letters and perhaps hiring a professional company like Pro Resume Writers Canberra to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that makes you stand out from your crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 591 447 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.

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